Torontos winters can make it nearly impossible to take to the streets to support your political, social and environmental causes. Protests that battle both windchills and the powers-that-be are impressive but might deter some allies. But with springs impending temperatures almost upon us, heres a roundup of coming activist and grassroots events that will let you scream and shout for change.
Regent Park Film Festival digital activism workshop
Led by celebrated filmmaker and political badass John Greyson, this extension of the Regent Park Film Festival looks at how to harness the power of film to advocate your cause. The day-long workshop pairs participants with York University MFA students and walks through the hands-on process of crafting, shooting and editing videos that demand change.
Where: Gibraltar Point
When: Deadline to apply is March 8
Support OLG locked-out workers
Employees from the Rideau Carleton Raceway Slots, an Ottawa Casino, have been locked out since December 16, 2015 after refusing to accept the terms of a new contract. Hotly debated issues include wage freezes and the removal of a pension. OLG workers, an entity owned by the Government of Ontario, and their supports are storming the steps of Queens Park to demand better negotiations.
When: March 9
Where: Queens Park
Israeli Apartheid Week
Celebrating its 12th year in Toronto, the week focuses on the occupation of Palestinian lands and displacement of Palestinian peoples. With demonstrations in over 150 countries, Torontos activities are primarily located at U of T with a series of talks and film screenings that extend beyond Middle Eastern politics and bring Canadian Indigenous and Black issues into the discussion.
Where: Various places on U of T campus
When: March 8-10
Reclaiming our Bodies and Mind Conference
A joint collaboration between Ryerson, U of T, York and George Brown, this weekend-long conference addresses issues of accessibility and disability in our lives. Through a variety of speakers, workshops and performances, the conference will address disability in discourse, community-building, and lived experience, as well as the many ways disability erasure & erasure have occurred.
Where: Various places on Ryerson and U of T campuses
When: March 11-March 13
Toronto slaughterhouse exposed
There are presently three slaughterhouses operating in Toronto but they blend seamlessly into neighbourhoods that you may never notice them. This event wants to raise public awareness of them and rally public support to shut them down.
Where: NW corner of St Clair Ave and Keele St
When: March 12
OCAP Speaking series
The Ontario Coalition Against Poverty is one of the loudest voices in any conversation about impoverishment and inequality in the city. The next talk in their ongoing speaking series will look at the cross-section of poverty and policing. Led by Lesley Wood, Sociology professor at York University, the talk will tackle questions such as: Why do the cops target poor communities and communities of colour? Do your rights matter? What are police strategies and tactics in criminalizing dissent?
Where: St. Luke’s Church, 353 Sherbourne Street
When: March 17
Sub/Urbanizing Austerity: Impacts and Alternatives
Put on by Alternate Routes– an academic journal that highlights work by labour and community academics who might not be published in traditional outlets– this panel speaking series looks to address various causes of and solutions to poverty and austerity. If youre looking to dust off your BA and flex those academic muscles, this may be the event for you.
Where: York University, 280N York Lanes
When: March 18
Demonstration Against African Trophy Hunting
If youre still pissed that Cecils hunter didnt face any charges for killing the beloved black-maned lion, nows your chance to let it all out. This protest is prompted by the Toronto Sportsmens Shows decision to include vendors who sell hunting trips to capture prized African game, including rhinos, elephants and lions.
Where: The International Centre
When: March 19
Herbal medicine making for stress and anxiety
At certain times in Canadas history, embracing particular cultural practices was considered an act of rebellion. Thankfully, those times have changed, but according to workshop leader Shabina Lafleur-Gangji there is a direct link between healing and social justice. Come to this workshop at George Brown to learn the basics of herbal medicine to treat the stress and anxiety that accompanies the modern urban experience.
Where: George Brown, St James Campus, Community Action Centre, Rm 165B
When: March 22
Yes, the Occupy Movement still exists. Its been more than four years since the first tent went up in Zuccotti Park and the Toronto chapter is kicking, with events, workshops and classes seemingly every day.
Where: Ongoing
When: Across the city
website@nowtoronto.com | @MilesJKenyon
